develop an addiction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'develop an addiction' is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can be used to describe when a person starts to rely on a substance or activity in an unhealthy way. For example, "After developing an addiction to gambling, she was unable to control her habit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Anyone, he said, can develop an addiction.

The New York Times

In the lab, rats can develop an addiction to exercise on a wheel.

The New York Times

It would be very easy to develop an addiction to this club.

Forbes

Furthermore, individuals who have transitioned from marijuana use to SC use to avoid criminal justice sanctions may develop an addiction to SC.

Health & Justice

Conrades and Sagan set plans to hunker down until bigger companies could replace the doomed dot-coms as customers and develop an addiction to the speed that Akamai provided.

Forbes

The other friend loudly praised her parenting as the reason her son didn't develop an addiction.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Becoming addicted to these new drugs would be akin to developing an addiction to corn.

The New York Times - Tech

He also developed an addiction to GHB, a powerful sedative.

The New Yorker

By mid-2002, Krane had developed an addiction, and in early 2003 he stopped advising Saban.

The New Yorker

Could she have developed an addiction to painkilling drugs over the years?

The New York Times - Books

Starting in Minnesota, he sustained a series of injuries and developed an addiction to painkillers.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase in conjunction with specific substances or behaviors to clearly illustrate the context of the addiction; for example, "develop an addiction to painkillers" or "develop an addiction to gambling".

Common error

Avoid using "develop a habit" when the behavior is compulsive and harmful. "Develop an addiction" is more appropriate when the behavior significantly impairs one's life.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "develop an addiction" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the process of acquiring a compulsive dependency on a substance or activity. It describes the action of becoming addicted, as supported by examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

20%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "develop an addiction" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes the process of becoming dependent on a substance or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and utility in various contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and wiki sources. While it holds a neutral register appropriate for diverse audiences, it's crucial to differentiate it from similar phrases like "develop a habit" to accurately convey the severity and compulsive nature of addiction. When you discuss the gradual onset of dependence "develop an addiction" is a right and useful option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become addicted

Focuses on the resulting state of addiction rather than the process.

grow dependent

Focuses on the increasing need for the substance or behavior.

acquire a dependence

Emphasizes the reliance one develops on a substance or activity.

engender an addiction

Similar to develop, but suggest the addiction is brought about by specific circumstances.

fall prey to addiction

Highlights the vulnerability and negative impact of addiction.

succumb to addiction

Suggests a yielding or giving in to addictive urges.

get hooked on

Informal way of saying someone becomes addicted.

enslaved by addiction

Uses a strong metaphor to express the feeling of being trapped.

cultivate a habit

Implies a gradual development of a routine or behavior that becomes difficult to break.

foster a dependency

Highlights external factors contributing to reliance.

FAQs

What does it mean to "develop an addiction"?

To "develop an addiction" means to gradually become dependent on a substance or behavior to the point where it causes significant problems in your life. It implies a process where the dependency grows over time.

What are some early signs that someone might "develop an addiction"?

Early signs can include increasing use of a substance, neglecting responsibilities, experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance, and continuing to use despite negative consequences.

How does "develop an addiction" differ from simply liking something a lot?

"Developing an addiction" involves a compulsive need and loss of control, leading to negative impacts on health, relationships, and daily life. Simply liking something doesn't have these harmful effects.

What can I say instead of "develop an addiction"?

You can use alternatives like "become addicted", "acquire a dependence", or "fall prey to addiction" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.